Boarding

A boarding education is a vital enriching experience for boys and girls providing a sound basis for academic and personal development. When the school was founded in 1907, the Rev. Cecil Grant was convinced of the advantages of boys and girls being taught together and learning to live in a family atmosphere based upon Christian ideals. For nearly ninety years this has been the main philosophy of the School and considerable investment has been made by the Governors in the running of Crosthwaite and Keswick Houses.

In response to increasing demand and parallel to changes in education in general, weekly or "flexible" boarding is offered at St. George's to run alongside the "full" boarding. Most boarders (full and weekly) are in residence for the first and last weekends of each term. All boarders enjoy the same opportunities and privileges and the same high standards of pastoral care and supervision. Medical, laundry and recreational facilities apply to both weekly and full boarders. Weekly boarders come from the areas of Hertfordshire, surrounding counties and London, which generally speaking are within an hour's easy travelling distance of St. George's School. There is no fee differential between weekly and full boarding. At present there are over a hundred and twenty boarders. Our experience has shown that most weekly boarders soon take advantage of our flexible approach to residence and stay for more weekends as the school year unfolds and as they become members of senior years in the School.

The School is an active member of the Boarding Schools Association and St. George's staff take part in B.S.A. training programmes. The Headmaster was Chairman of the Boarding Schools Association in 1998-1999 and from 1992 to 1995 was Chairman of STABIS (The State Boarding Information Service – now called SBSA).

A boarding environment provides significant opportunities for extra-curricular activities and the appointment of staff has been made with this in mind. Boys and Girls are offered many opportunities to join in a variety of activities run by both the Day School and Boarding Houses.

Boarding at St. George's exists to supplement and support the excellent academic work and life of the School in a caring, Christian community. Young people are encouraged to develop a sense of responsibility, self discipline and their individual talents and abilities. Discipline is firm but fair. Pupils take part in decision making processes and assume increasing control of their lives as they proceed up the School. Boarding is also great fun; life-long friends are made, opinions formed, and many retain happy memories of these days. It is an excellent training for student life in Higher Education.

Admission as a boarder is by interview and consideration of school reports. When you have returned the application form we shall approach your child's current school for a reference, so please inform them of your intention to apply for a place here. If your child is short-listed you will be invited to attend for interview. The formal interview procedure (which is essential for both parties – we do not conduct interviews by phone or skype) involves a meeting with the Headmaster, the Director of Boarding and Boarding House staff and we also provide a guided tour of both the school and the boarding house. Places for boarding are now in great demand at St. George's and so early application for entry at the start of the academic year in September is strongly advised. Please see separate page for details of fees.